4th Grade

Mathematics

Students in the fourth grade continue their study of multiplication and division with an emphasis on the instant recall of their multiplication tables and a working knowledge of multiple digit multiplication, long division, decimals and fractions. The application of these skills in the daily lives of our students allows them to comprehend their importance and encourages them to continue to strive toward understanding. Continued exposure to elementary pre-algebra and basic geometry fundamentals ensures student’s familiarity with concepts that will form the foundation of their mathematics education in future years.

Language Arts

To experience success in any endeavor, students must possess proficiency in communication using the written word. Daily lessons in spelling, vocabulary, grammar, composition and reading encourage students by direct presentation of the mechanics of Language Arts. Classic literature, contemporary novels, short stories and poetry as well as reading in the content areas of Social Studies, Science and Mathematics provides well established examples of the vital part that written communication plays in our daily lives.

Students’ ability to adequately articulate their thoughts is nurtured through daily journaling, writing assignments in all subject areas, and through the use of our “Word Challenge” in which students are encouraged to use Spelling and Vocabulary words appropriately in their daily speech. These skills are reinforced through frequent oral presentations.

Science

The goal of the Science curriculum is to provide an understanding of the essential concepts of science and the scientific method. Students explore the world around them by examining life, earth, physical and health science. The practical application of this knowledge is reinforced through appropriate Science Labs and continual experimentation in the “Living Lab” of our classroom.

Social Studies

Fourth Grade Social Studies is a survey course that seeks to understand the human, physical and political features of the Unites States through an understanding of both our history and our geography. Students will gain an appreciation of the country in which we live through a broad exposure to the events leading to its founding.

Spanish

Students in fourth grade Spanish have bi-weekly tests and weekly written homework. Their daily activities of listening, writing, speaking, and reading become increasingly more demanding. The third grade tests typically contain a listening portion. It can be alphabet letters, two to three letter syllables, dictation of easy words, numbers, prices of objects, and identifying seasons or other words through clues. They are also exposed to spoken Spanish in class from songs, dances, movies, and other listening activities that occur in class.

Students answer personal questions (name, age, feelings, birthday, origin, sisters/brothers, favorite pets, and food. They use daily expressions of courtesy and farewells, repeat song words, phrases, and sentences, as well as demonstrate comprehension and understanding from the readings, and from one another. Students recite numbers from 0-100, days of the weeks, months of the year, vocabulary words, phrases, sentences, and certain cultural expressions from the topics being studied. Furthermore, they read short stories in Spanish aloud.

Art (Meets twice per week)

Lessons on the visual arts illustrate important elements of making and appreciating art, and emphasize well-known artists, works of art, and artistic concepts. Topics in art are often linked to different disciplines. Students experiment with a variety of media and study works from various cultures. In the lower school, students study art of the cavemen, Egyptians, Greeks and Aborigines. Mediums include crayons, markers, clay, colored pencils, paper mache’, tempera, paints and inks. Artists including Matisse, Seurat, Miro’, Da Vinci, Escher, Picasso and Van Gogh are introduced.

Physical Education (Meets three days per week)

Receiving regular exercise is an integral component of growing up healthy. Fourth grade students receive year-long instruction and practice opportunities in a variety of age appropriate sports including kickball, soccer, tee-ball, badminton, jump rope, jogging and other aerobic activities. Active participation, teamwork, and good sportsmanship are modeled and encouraged.

Music (Meets twice per week)

The purpose of the music education program at Hale Academy is to develop life-long musical understanding, skill, and sensitivity. As education develops the intellect, music education develops musical ability. As musical understanding, skill and sensitivity grow, aesthetic response increases. Hale Academy music students learn that music has duration, pitch, form, timbre and expressive qualities. They feel the emotional content that music expresses. Fourth graders possess an adequate understanding of their own musical heritage and that of other cultures and continually grown in their ability to listen to, respond to, and create music understanding, skill and sensitivity.

Library

The media center at Hale Academy exists to stimulate our students’ love of reading and to foster their desire for life-long learning.

Lower School Competencies:

Understands and follow rules for appropriate use of the media center

Handles books and other media center materials with appropriate care

Gives a broad explanation of the Dewey decimal system, and locates books by category in the media center

Chooses age appropriate books for personal enjoyment and to meet curriculum requirements